Episode 121. Yenica's Vision of the Future
Yenica's eyes fluttered at the sound of Kassius's suppressed voice.
An afterimage of Kassius spread across her blurry vision.
Isabella, frozen in shock, was taken care of by Jane.
Jane soothed Isabella in a soft voice.
"I think it would be best if you got into the carriage first, my lady."
Isabella hesitated and then nodded.
She enjoyed being with Kassius, but she realized he wasn't in the mood for a tantrum.
Kassius now wore a similar expression to Isabella's.
"...Kassius, are you alright?"
Isabella asked, grabbing his sleeve.
Kassius calmed his startled heart and leaned down.
Kassius stroked Isabella's head and said in a deep voice,
"Nothing will happen, Isabella. You can get into the carriage, right?"
"...Yes."
Only after Isabella left with Jane could Kassius fully focus on his own emotions.
“…Your voice resembles your father,”
Yenica whispered in a hushed voice.
The pain felt like his heart was being torn in half.
Hearing Kassius’s voice, she pictured her husband, who had died protecting them. He had resembled his father so much as a child, and it seemed he had remained the same as he had grown up.
Yenica reached out a trembling hand.
Kassius squeezed his eyes shut, watching her hand wander through the air.
His fears were unfounded.
Yenica’s eyes, clouded, saw nothing.
Kassius lowered his heavy head and rested his cheek against her pitiful hand.
Though they had been apart for so many years, he vividly remembered his mother’s warmth, her appearance, and her voice.
“Kassius, run away. Run away and live.”
“Oh, how can I leave you behind? Come with me. Yes?”
“Come to your senses, Kassius. Are you going to make your father’s death in vain? Are you going to burden this mother with the burden of being someone who couldn't even protect her child, let alone her country or her husband? You have to survive!"
The voice that had been pushing Kassius's back and urging him suddenly became gentle.
"I love you, Kassius. Never forget that. That we loved you more than anything in the world."
How could he forget?
Kassius's face relaxed slightly as he leaned against her palms, cracked as hard as wood.
His mother was definitely different.
She was dry and rough, and her palms were chapped, as if testifying to a hard life.
But she was alive. Kassius and Yenica.
That alone was worth it.
Kassius kissed the back of his mother's hand.
He was grateful that she had survived and made it this far.
Not only had she saved Kassius's life, but she had also given her own life...
"I missed you so much, Mother. More than these words can express."
"I missed you, too, Kassius."
Yenica, using the sensation of her own hand, found Kassius and embraced him.
Kassius's massive body crumpled into Yenica's arms.
He was her son, whom she hadn't been able to hold since they parted ways.
Yenica had heard stories of Kassius's difficult life.
And that he had dabbled in forbidden power...!
"kassius..."
Yenica pulled his palm and buried her face in it.
The sight of her son's grown hand filled Yenica with sorrow.
Yenica was someone who, despite her blindness, could see much more.
Yenica's voice was moist.
"You... gave up much to gain this power."
Kassius's golden pupils dilated.
Before Yenica could say anything else, he pulled her closer.
The indescribable emotions that had consumed him moments before suddenly receded.
Kassius looked around to see if anyone had heard Yenica's words.
Fortunately, no one paid any attention to Kassius and Yenica's touching reunion.
Kassius lowered his voice.
"I think it would be best to discuss that in person."
Yenica sighed softly and nodded.
The group, which had paused for a moment, set off again.
Renisha was waiting for Kassius and his party in front of the castle.
A messenger who had run ahead had told Renisha about Kassius and Yenica.
Even their relationship.
Renisha played with her hair, her face unnecessarily tense.
She had thought Kassius's entire family was dead.
So, she hadn't expected this kind of meeting.
Renisha paced around the same spot.
"Are you nervous?"
Lindy asked with a smile.
"Of course. This is my first time doing this. You seem very relaxed."
"Me, well."
Lindy shrugged as if nothing was offensive.
"It's not my job."
"Oh..."
Renisha turned her head and stared at Lindy.
Lindy burst out laughing when he saw her pretty pink eyes hardened with tension.
"I think this is the first time I've seen you like this."
Renisha had been through a lot before coming here, but she had never been this nervous.
Renisha sighed at Lindy's words.
“Even an Emperor has a difficult time with his consort’s family. Ordinary people, that is. I seem to be more ordinary than you might think.”
“It will be fine. I’m sure she’ll like you, Your Majesty.”
“How can you be so confident?”
“Everyone who’s met Your Majesty has been like that. She’ll be captivated by you, Your Majesty.”
Renisha laughed at his confident words.
“You tend to trust me too much.”
“Because you’ve shown me that you deserve it. Always, always.”
As their conversation drew to a close, Kassius and his party appeared.
Kassius, leading the way, his red hair tinged with the sunset, gleamed like a jewel.
He was like a blazing torch, just like the day Renisha first met him. Kassius reached Renisha.
Kassius kissed the back of Renisha’s hand, and at his glance, the knights led the guests out of the carriage.
Renisha took Kassius’ hand.
Kassius gazed at Renisha, who was acting childishly, with warm eyes.
“Your mother is alive...”
“Yiu heard. You don’t have to worry too much. She’ll be pleased with you.”
Just as Renisha was about to grin like a carp, Yenica stepped out of the carriage.
Renisha froze stiffly.
Kassius let out a soft laugh, but Renisha couldn’t hear it.
Isabella, held by Jane, walked cautiously behind Yenica.
Jane quickly realized that Isabella shouldn’t interfere in this situation.
This was Renisha’s first time meeting Kassius’s mother.
It was a pity, but Isabella had to wait a moment.
Supported by Shamira, Yenica stood in front of Renisha.
Yenica extended her hand, and Renisha gladly took it.
“...Your Majesty, the Emperor.”
“Yenica. Thank you for coming so far.”
Yenica blinked.
The moment she took Renisha's hand, her unseen eyes saw countless things.
Pink petals swirl behind the golden girl, and crimson blood is spattered on the ground.
Renisha had walked that path and stood there.
Turning her head toward Yenika, Renisha had become an adult.
Beside Renisha, wearing the dazzling imperial crown, stood a multitude of people.
They were those who loved and protected her.
The dead were also among them.
"...You are protected by both the living and the dead."
Renisha looked surprised.
Kassius wrapped his arm tightly around Renisha's shoulder.
Renisha, regaining her composure at his warmth, spoke.
"Speaking of the dead..."
Yenica shook her head slightly.
"There are so many that I can't single out anyone. Even our most ancient ancestors are with us... Your Majesty, you were promised this place from the very beginning when you were born."
Meeting Yenica proved more difficult than Renisha had anticipated.
“Don’t say anything...”
Finally, unable to contain her nervousness, Renisha was about to speak.
“You are the one who will bring new glory to Hientri. You are the one who will establish a thousand years of peace on the continent, and the Three Serpent Gods are looking down on you, Your Majesty.”
“...That’s fortunate,”
Renisha whispered in a relieved voice.
“Your words gave me great strength. I mean it.”
Renisha was still confused.
Had her choices always been right?
Was she worthy of those who died in her place?
Were the new choices she was making truly right?
“Walk the path of faith, ruler of this land, ordained by the Three Serpent Gods.”
“...Thank you for that too.”
“I thank you too, Your Majesty. For standing by my son’s side.”
Yenica watched the tall man gaze intently at Renisha.
Renisha was a born ruler, an Emperor.
Many men played a role in Renisha's fate.
Princes and nobles from every nation must have coveted her countless times.
However, Renisha never once averted her gaze, always placing Kassius at her side.
If Kassius hadn't had Renisha, Yenica could see that too.
Kassius would have crumbled.
He would have been ensnared by the wicked former Emperor's schemes, given up everything, and been dragged back to the battlefield to be exploited. Because Renisha chose Kassius, and he held her hand, Kassius was able to live where he is today.
Fate is a series of choices, and countless crossroads present themselves.
Renisha was always a guidepost for Kassius.
Kassius ran endlessly toward Renisha.
Renisha's pink eyes wavered.
"I'm grateful to him, too. Without Kassius, I might not have been able to endure this difficult life."
Yenica felt a sense of relief at Renisha's words.
Kassius's cheeks flushed.
He felt as if he'd heard a heartfelt confession.
Renisha was still the only person who made Kassius's heart flutter.
"You've given birth to such a wonderful son. I'm truly grateful you sent him to me."
Yenica smiled, her face almost tearful.
Fortunately, her son's companion seemed to be a kind person, even in every word.
She was finally able to let go of the burden she'd been carrying.
Yenica's eyes fluttered at the sound of Kassius's suppressed voice.
An afterimage of Kassius spread across her blurry vision.
Isabella, frozen in shock, was taken care of by Jane.
Jane soothed Isabella in a soft voice.
"I think it would be best if you got into the carriage first, my lady."
Isabella hesitated and then nodded.
She enjoyed being with Kassius, but she realized he wasn't in the mood for a tantrum.
Kassius now wore a similar expression to Isabella's.
"...Kassius, are you alright?"
Isabella asked, grabbing his sleeve.
Kassius calmed his startled heart and leaned down.
Kassius stroked Isabella's head and said in a deep voice,
"Nothing will happen, Isabella. You can get into the carriage, right?"
"...Yes."
Only after Isabella left with Jane could Kassius fully focus on his own emotions.
“…Your voice resembles your father,”
Yenica whispered in a hushed voice.
The pain felt like his heart was being torn in half.
Hearing Kassius’s voice, she pictured her husband, who had died protecting them. He had resembled his father so much as a child, and it seemed he had remained the same as he had grown up.
Yenica reached out a trembling hand.
Kassius squeezed his eyes shut, watching her hand wander through the air.
His fears were unfounded.
Yenica’s eyes, clouded, saw nothing.
Kassius lowered his heavy head and rested his cheek against her pitiful hand.
Though they had been apart for so many years, he vividly remembered his mother’s warmth, her appearance, and her voice.
“Kassius, run away. Run away and live.”
“Oh, how can I leave you behind? Come with me. Yes?”
“Come to your senses, Kassius. Are you going to make your father’s death in vain? Are you going to burden this mother with the burden of being someone who couldn't even protect her child, let alone her country or her husband? You have to survive!"
The voice that had been pushing Kassius's back and urging him suddenly became gentle.
"I love you, Kassius. Never forget that. That we loved you more than anything in the world."
How could he forget?
Kassius's face relaxed slightly as he leaned against her palms, cracked as hard as wood.
His mother was definitely different.
She was dry and rough, and her palms were chapped, as if testifying to a hard life.
But she was alive. Kassius and Yenica.
That alone was worth it.
Kassius kissed the back of his mother's hand.
He was grateful that she had survived and made it this far.
Not only had she saved Kassius's life, but she had also given her own life...
"I missed you so much, Mother. More than these words can express."
"I missed you, too, Kassius."
Yenica, using the sensation of her own hand, found Kassius and embraced him.
Kassius's massive body crumpled into Yenica's arms.
He was her son, whom she hadn't been able to hold since they parted ways.
Yenica had heard stories of Kassius's difficult life.
And that he had dabbled in forbidden power...!
"kassius..."
Yenica pulled his palm and buried her face in it.
The sight of her son's grown hand filled Yenica with sorrow.
Yenica was someone who, despite her blindness, could see much more.
Yenica's voice was moist.
"You... gave up much to gain this power."
Kassius's golden pupils dilated.
Before Yenica could say anything else, he pulled her closer.
The indescribable emotions that had consumed him moments before suddenly receded.
Kassius looked around to see if anyone had heard Yenica's words.
Fortunately, no one paid any attention to Kassius and Yenica's touching reunion.
Kassius lowered his voice.
"I think it would be best to discuss that in person."
Yenica sighed softly and nodded.
The group, which had paused for a moment, set off again.
***
Renisha was waiting for Kassius and his party in front of the castle.
A messenger who had run ahead had told Renisha about Kassius and Yenica.
Even their relationship.
Renisha played with her hair, her face unnecessarily tense.
She had thought Kassius's entire family was dead.
So, she hadn't expected this kind of meeting.
Renisha paced around the same spot.
"Are you nervous?"
Lindy asked with a smile.
"Of course. This is my first time doing this. You seem very relaxed."
"Me, well."
Lindy shrugged as if nothing was offensive.
"It's not my job."
"Oh..."
Renisha turned her head and stared at Lindy.
Lindy burst out laughing when he saw her pretty pink eyes hardened with tension.
"I think this is the first time I've seen you like this."
Renisha had been through a lot before coming here, but she had never been this nervous.
Renisha sighed at Lindy's words.
“Even an Emperor has a difficult time with his consort’s family. Ordinary people, that is. I seem to be more ordinary than you might think.”
“It will be fine. I’m sure she’ll like you, Your Majesty.”
“How can you be so confident?”
“Everyone who’s met Your Majesty has been like that. She’ll be captivated by you, Your Majesty.”
Renisha laughed at his confident words.
“You tend to trust me too much.”
“Because you’ve shown me that you deserve it. Always, always.”
As their conversation drew to a close, Kassius and his party appeared.
Kassius, leading the way, his red hair tinged with the sunset, gleamed like a jewel.
He was like a blazing torch, just like the day Renisha first met him. Kassius reached Renisha.
Kassius kissed the back of Renisha’s hand, and at his glance, the knights led the guests out of the carriage.
Renisha took Kassius’ hand.
Kassius gazed at Renisha, who was acting childishly, with warm eyes.
“Your mother is alive...”
“Yiu heard. You don’t have to worry too much. She’ll be pleased with you.”
Just as Renisha was about to grin like a carp, Yenica stepped out of the carriage.
Renisha froze stiffly.
Kassius let out a soft laugh, but Renisha couldn’t hear it.
Isabella, held by Jane, walked cautiously behind Yenica.
Jane quickly realized that Isabella shouldn’t interfere in this situation.
This was Renisha’s first time meeting Kassius’s mother.
It was a pity, but Isabella had to wait a moment.
Supported by Shamira, Yenica stood in front of Renisha.
Yenica extended her hand, and Renisha gladly took it.
“...Your Majesty, the Emperor.”
“Yenica. Thank you for coming so far.”
Yenica blinked.
The moment she took Renisha's hand, her unseen eyes saw countless things.
Pink petals swirl behind the golden girl, and crimson blood is spattered on the ground.
Renisha had walked that path and stood there.
Turning her head toward Yenika, Renisha had become an adult.
Beside Renisha, wearing the dazzling imperial crown, stood a multitude of people.
They were those who loved and protected her.
The dead were also among them.
"...You are protected by both the living and the dead."
Renisha looked surprised.
Kassius wrapped his arm tightly around Renisha's shoulder.
Renisha, regaining her composure at his warmth, spoke.
"Speaking of the dead..."
Yenica shook her head slightly.
"There are so many that I can't single out anyone. Even our most ancient ancestors are with us... Your Majesty, you were promised this place from the very beginning when you were born."
It was an unexpected thought.
Renisha turned her head to look at Kassius.
Kassius nodded, as if he was okay.
Renisha took a deep breath and said,
"You see more than others. I have seen countless tragedies because of this fate. My life has not been easy. How do you see me through your eyes? Will my empire be easy in the future?"
Yenica gazed at Renisha with a calm gaze.
Even though she knew those gray eyes could see nothing, Renisha froze, like a mouse before a cat.
It felt like her life was being judged.
Renisha turned her head to look at Kassius.
Kassius nodded, as if he was okay.
Renisha took a deep breath and said,
"You see more than others. I have seen countless tragedies because of this fate. My life has not been easy. How do you see me through your eyes? Will my empire be easy in the future?"
Yenica gazed at Renisha with a calm gaze.
Even though she knew those gray eyes could see nothing, Renisha froze, like a mouse before a cat.
It felt like her life was being judged.
Meeting Yenica proved more difficult than Renisha had anticipated.
“Don’t say anything...”
Finally, unable to contain her nervousness, Renisha was about to speak.
“You are the one who will bring new glory to Hientri. You are the one who will establish a thousand years of peace on the continent, and the Three Serpent Gods are looking down on you, Your Majesty.”
“...That’s fortunate,”
Renisha whispered in a relieved voice.
“Your words gave me great strength. I mean it.”
Renisha was still confused.
Had her choices always been right?
Was she worthy of those who died in her place?
Were the new choices she was making truly right?
“Walk the path of faith, ruler of this land, ordained by the Three Serpent Gods.”
“...Thank you for that too.”
“I thank you too, Your Majesty. For standing by my son’s side.”
Yenica watched the tall man gaze intently at Renisha.
Renisha was a born ruler, an Emperor.
Many men played a role in Renisha's fate.
Princes and nobles from every nation must have coveted her countless times.
However, Renisha never once averted her gaze, always placing Kassius at her side.
If Kassius hadn't had Renisha, Yenica could see that too.
Kassius would have crumbled.
He would have been ensnared by the wicked former Emperor's schemes, given up everything, and been dragged back to the battlefield to be exploited. Because Renisha chose Kassius, and he held her hand, Kassius was able to live where he is today.
Fate is a series of choices, and countless crossroads present themselves.
Renisha was always a guidepost for Kassius.
Kassius ran endlessly toward Renisha.
Renisha's pink eyes wavered.
"I'm grateful to him, too. Without Kassius, I might not have been able to endure this difficult life."
Yenica felt a sense of relief at Renisha's words.
Kassius's cheeks flushed.
He felt as if he'd heard a heartfelt confession.
Renisha was still the only person who made Kassius's heart flutter.
"You've given birth to such a wonderful son. I'm truly grateful you sent him to me."
Yenica smiled, her face almost tearful.
Fortunately, her son's companion seemed to be a kind person, even in every word.
She was finally able to let go of the burden she'd been carrying.
Previous Next
Comments
Post a Comment